For The Second Year in A Row: Nihiwatu Voted #1 Hotel in The World

Nihi Sumba Island (Nihiwatu) in
Indonesia is the number one hotel in the world for the second year in a row,
voted by Travel + Leisure readers globally for its annual World’s Best Awards,
the magazine announced on 11th July 2017.

This reoccurring recognition
acknowledges the power of hospitality-centric humanitarian efforts to bring
attention to a bygone era, centuries of rituals, a lush unspoiled landscape,
and unlimited freedom to explore. With philanthropy at the core of our business
model, the Nihi legacy stands for more than just a destination. It stands for
goodwill, and an investment in the preservation of the communities it abides.

“Our guests are looking for more
than just a vacation,” said Nihi Hotels owner Chris Burch. “They want to feel
connected and useful, to give back and be a part of something larger than
themselves. Through highly customized activities and personal itineraries, our
guests experience compelling moments that inspire, and ultimately create a charitable
impact.”

“Nihi Sumba Island is the premiere property in
our expanding Nihi Hotels portfolio as we actively seek growth opportunities
grounded in our doctrine, “The Edge of Wildness,” said Nihi Hotels Managing
Partner James McBride. “Current destinations of interest include the South
Pacific and Central America, two areas that present environments not entirely
influenced by modern conveniences therefore benefitting from natural
exploration, education, and philanthropic aid of a Nihi Hotel.”

A Nihi Hotel is not merely a hotel.
It is away of life. Through the resource sand benefits of a luxury resort, Nihi
continues to create awareness for the issues faced by local communities, at the
same time providing jobs and services that grow incomes and families, and support
basic needs such as health clinics, school lunches for children, and access to
clean water. Many guests become benefactors of the Sumba Foundation, creating a
connection to the island’s pure culture, while promoting the health and welfare
of its society.

An on site chocolate factory tour where guests
learn how to make a variety of candy bars with Sumba’s locally sourced cocoa
beans, complete with a sample tasting. Additionally, an open-air yoga session
among the factory’s lush outdoors, with the sweet fragrance of chocolate may be
followed by a raw cocoa and oil massage from the healing hands of the award-winning
spa staff.

The latest discovery, Lake Weekuri, nature’s
saltwater pool separated from the ocean by a rugged cliff, for a most magical
swim and lakeside picnic. The clear blue water with varying depths is
surrounded by lush trees and beautiful rocks for both sun and shade, and
leisurely bathing or a refreshing plunge.

Wellness retreats with world-class gurus that
combine the physical benefits of yoga with mediation, movement, and flexibility
designed to take you on a therapeutic journey for a balanced mind, body, and
soul.

“We are honored that our guests
value our efforts enough to grant us this award,” added Burch. “The enthusiasm
of our return guests and the emotional delight of our first time guests are
worth the smiles and quality of life we behold from the local Sumbanese in
return.”

Additionally, Nihihotels.com has
been revived with visual storytelling, video, and irresistible details,
transforming viewers from their everyday lives to a new territory of
possibility. For more information, get lost in our world @nihiwatu on Facebook
or Instagram.

ABOUT NIHI SUMBA ISLAND

Re-imagined and re-opened in
2015, Nihi Sumba Island has quickly captivated travelers from all corners of
the world. On a remote island in southeastern Indonesia—the size of the state
of Massachusetts and only a 50-minute flight from Bali—the once cult surf
destination with its own popular, private wave was acquired by entrepreneur and
investor Chris Burch in association with hotelier James McBride in 2012 and
developed into a culturally immersive enclave of equal parts active adventure,
barefoot luxury, and charitable giving, in an exotic and authentic setting.
Nihi Hotels is planning expansion of the brand to further realize opportunities
grounded in its doctrine, “The Edge of Wildness.” Current destinations of
interest include the South Pacific and Central America.

ABOUT SUMBA FOUNDATION

Maintaining its deep-rooted
philosophy, and through the generosity of Chris Burch, a portion of Nihiwatu’s
profits are now repatriated into the Sumba Foundation established by Nihiwatu
founder Claude Graves, and Sean Downs 2001. With the enthusiastic support of
hotel guests, Nihiwatu is a philanthropic vehicle dedicated to fostering
community-based projects. During their stay, guests are introduced to the
Foundation’s efforts through an impactful presentation and short film. The
result is a rare collaboration between a resort and its local community that
today co-exist with compelling interdependence: the resort has become the
biggest employer on the island and the Sumba Foundation gives back to the local
communities. Over the last fourteen years, the Foundation has set up four medical
clinics, and has developed over 100 water well sand waterstations. The Foundation
currently feeds young children in a malnutrition program, and has refurbished
and supported 15 primary schools and provides lunch for over 1,000
schoolchildren five days a week.